Ashita Dhawan reveals REJECTING an OTT show because of INTIMATE scenes: ‘Would feel shy with my HUSBAND too’

Actress Ashita Dhawan, who has been a part of shows like Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Imlie, Krishna Mohini, and Mera Balam Thanedaar and is currently seen in Prem Leela on Dangal, says that she is very flexible while choosing roles. She adds that she makes sure to add a personal touch in all that she plays.

“

Have you ever turned down a role because it didn’t align with your vision? Unfortunately, in television, I don’t always have full control over the character I play but I always try to bring my own vision to it. Whatever brief I receive, I shape it in my own way, adding my personal touch. I’ve never turned down a role just because it didn’t match my vision. In fact, I still remember telling Rajan ji, when he said he was only focusing on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, that even if he could just give me a tiny spot, even just space to stand, I would create my own place from that. So yes, I always bring my own vision, my own expertise, and outlook to the table. And thankfully, I often get the space to do that,” she says.

She adds, “However, I did turn down one OTT show. The role had too much exposure and intimate scenes. I'm not comfortable doing that even if it's demanded by the script. I'm very clear about that. Honestly, I would even feel shy doing such scenes with my real-life husband on screen. So yes, I’ve turned down work where physical intimacy or skin show was involved because it just doesn’t align with who I am or what I'm comfortable with.”

I did turn down one OTT show. The role had too much exposure and intimate scenes. I'm not comfortable doing that even if it's demanded by the script. I'm very clear about that. Honestly, I would even feel shy doing such scenes with my real-life husband on screen.

- Ashita Dhawan

As for voicing what how she feels on set, she says, “I don't treat things as a fight or a challenge. I'm actually a very bold, no-filter kind of person. If I have a question, I always ask it whether it’s to my director or the creative team. But I also understand that I’m not one of those actors who refuses to shoot a scene until they’re fully convinced. I don’t believe in doing that because I know television is very time-bound. There are deadlines, daily telecasts, and editing schedules. So yes, I do ask my questions, but even if the answer doesn't go in my favor, I move on. Because I always remind myself this show isn’t being made just for me or my household, it’s going out to the whole world. I always share my point of view. Sometimes it gets accepted, sometimes it doesn’t and that’s okay, because even they (the makers) have their own limitations and boundaries.”

She adds that women characters get a good space on TV. “When it comes to television, I truly feel that it's a women-centric space. In almost every show, the main hero is actually the heroine and that’s amazing. We, as women, are setting strong examples and encouraging others, especially other women, to step out of their comfort zones and get inspired by strong, powerful characters. Even in films today, I see more and more women-oriented stories being made. Women are now working shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the industry. If there are stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, on the other side, there are strong women like Kangana Ranaut too,” she says.